ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration with Sahel countries to tackle the growing threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in ongoing counter-insurgency operations, warning that insurgents continue to adapt and refine their use of the deadly weapons .
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), made the call at the closing of a five-day Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Baseline Self-Assessment Workshop organised in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service and the British High Commission .
Laka praised participants for their professionalism and technical expertise, highlighting that the networks formed during the workshop would enhance cooperation among the Armed Forces, security agencies, and international partners .
He warned that insurgents continue to adapt their tactics, emphasizing the need for constant innovation and coordinated action to stay ahead of evolving threats .
Laka reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with the United Nations and the British High Commission to host a regional seminar, bringing together security personnel from across West Africa and the Sahel to share experiences and best practices .
The workshop facilitator, Mr. Paul Amoroso, stressed that timely sharing of intelligence remains a major challenge in countering IED threats. Using a “jigsaw puzzle” analogy, he noted that while Nigeria has a strong intelligence picture, its value depends on sharing it promptly with decision-makers .
Amoroso explained that the workshop progressed from basic understanding of IED threats to advanced analysis, applying expertise across security, defence, and intelligence sectors, while also including civil society, academia, and industry in the solution set .
He commended participants, noting the workshop achieved in five days what would normally take two weeks, providing a solid foundation for a strategic national roadmap against IEDs .
The call for collaboration comes as Nigeria intensifies its fight against terrorism and insurgency, with IEDs remaining a weapon of choice for groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East theatre of Operation Hadin Kai .
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